We are delighted to welcome all of you to our first inter-provincial conference “Advancing Human Rights Values - Equal Dignity and Opportunities”. The conference is organized by the African Canadian Resource Network (ACRN) with support from sponsors and partners. The conference theme is: Exploring and addressing the human, social and economic cost of the intersectionality of oppression based on perceived “race”, gender and religious differences.

People heading out to take in the Mosaic festival this weekend might want to take a second look at their maps, as several pavilions have moved.

There now are six pavilions on the Evraz Place grounds, three of them sharing the space inside the International Trade Centre — African, Kyiv and Scottish.

This is the second year there has been an African pavilion in the festival. Jennifer, with the pavilion, said there are more than 50 different African countries represented this year, meaning many different languages and cultures. She said it’s exciting to get to represent so many.

Jennifer said people can expect to see some new things at the pavilion.

“(There will be) more vendors, more food,” she said. “(We’re) expecting a lot of the same things from last year but we like to keep it fresh and new, so we’re definitely excited for all the new performers (and) the new fashion designs that will be during our show.”

The Hellenic Greek, Philippine and Spirit of China pavilions also will be on the Evraz Place grounds.

Indigenous Peoples pavilionFor the first time in five years, the Indigenous Peoples pavilion is back in the Mosaic lineup.

There will be things like bannock and Saskatoon berry lemonade on offer, as well as all kinds of entertainment.

“We have a lot of dance troupes and a few singers that will showcase their talent. Our pavilion has Nakota, Cree, Saulteaux, Assiniboine and Métis representation this year, so we’re very excited to have all these different representations there,” said Rebecca with the pavilion.

The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday, and 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday. Free bus service for festival-goers is still being offered between pavilions.